Finance & economics | Free exchange
Why sub-zero interest rates are neither unfair nor unnatural
When borrowers are scarce, it helps if money (like potatoes) rots
![](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/sites/default/files/images/print-edition/20180203_FNC696_0.png)
This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “Negative justice”
Finance & economics February 3rd 2018
- “Factor investing” gains popularity
- The dollar keeps weakening. Is that good news for the world?
- Might higher interest rates spoil America’s economic boom?
- Cancer is a curse, but also a growth market for investors
- Cars block the road to a renegotiated NAFTA
- A safe asset is devised for the euro zone
- A big Blackstone deal shows how private equity has changed
- Zhou Xiaochuan, China’s central-bank chief, is about to retire
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How vulnerable is Israel to sanctions?
So far, measures have had little effect. That could change
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Why companies get inflation wrong
Bosses should pay less attention to the media
What is behind China’s perplexing bond-market intervention?
The central bank seems to think the government’s debt is too popular
How to invest in chaotic markets
Contrary to popular wisdom, even retail investors should pay attention to volatility
Vladimir Putin spends big—and sends Russia’s economy soaring
How long can the party last?